Footpath Encroachment Clearance Drive to Continue Across All Five Bengaluru City Corporations: CM D.K. Shivakumar

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has announced that the footpath encroachment clearance drive will continue across all five Bengaluru City Corporations. Since July 1, authorities have cleared 9,878 encroachments along 435 kilometres of footpaths as part of an initiative to improve pedestrian safety and restore public spaces.

Key Details:

• The clearance drive has covered 435 km of footpaths across Bengaluru since July 1.

• A total of 9,878 encroachments have been removed.

• Authorities identified:

1,340 shops

• Around 1,800 pushcarts

• 2,267 metal sheet extensions in front of shops

• 2,300 staircases and ramps

• 2,662 pillars and signboards

• 2,247 sheds

• Debris from the clearance has been removed, and repair work on footpaths is underway.

Support for Street Vendors

The Chief Minister stated that street vendors are an important part of the city’s economy and assured that the government will provide designated vending spaces. He said the process of issuing identity cards to street vendors, which had been delayed due to a court stay, will be resumed.

According to the government, vendors will be allowed to operate only from officially identified locations that do not obstruct pedestrians or traffic.

Action Against Illegal Networks

D.K. Shivakumar alleged that organised groups have been collecting money from street vendors illegally and said the government has directed the police and Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) officials to take appropriate action. He reiterated that the objective of the drive is to create a cleaner and safer Bengaluru.

Focus on Pedestrian Safety

The Deputy Chief Minister said more than 900 pedestrian deaths have been reported over the past three years, highlighting the need to keep footpaths free from encroachments so pedestrians are not forced onto roads.

Jayanagar Market Update

The government is expected to take a decision soon on the pending Jayanagar Market project. Officials said the remaining construction work will be completed under an appropriate government scheme.